CitySceneKC
Ziplines, Aerial Park Envisioned for Hy-Vee Arena ‘Space Frame’
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 17, 2023) By Kevin Collison When Helmut Jahn designed the unique, external framework supporting the roof at the former Kemper Arena 50 years ago, it’s doubtful he imagined it hosting an aerial park someday. But that’s just what Brad McDonald has in mind for the renowned German…
Late Summer Start for Big Apartment Project at Trinity Lutheran Site
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 13, 2023) Construction is expected to begin in late summer on a $130 million apartment project at 31st and Main that will add 385 apartments along the new streetcar extension. NorthPoint Development is building the project which will not only raze the derelict former Trinity Lutheran Hospital,…
East-West Streetcar Could Cost $600M, Need New Funding Source
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 10, 2023) By Kevin Collison Kansas City has reached the end of the track when it comes to expanding its streetcar system unless it adopts a broader approach to local funding, according to a new study exploring a potential east-west route. It would cost $450- to $600…
New Bakery, Enchanté, Joins French Culinary Corner at Main and Westport
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 1, 2023) By Kevin Collison The one-woman Frenchification of the angled intersection where Westport Road meets Main Street has an enticing new aroma, this one drifting from The Bakery, Enchanté. Heather White opened her French brasserie Tailleur at 3933 Main in August 2021 and her Parisian dessert…
Historic Muehlebach Hotel Bar Reopening After 40 Years
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 31, 2023) By Kevin Collison The former Rendezvous bar in the historic Muehlebach Hotel, a luxurious watering hole where Truman Capote once worked on “In Cold Blood” and bygone businessmen talked deals over whiskeys and cigars, is reopening soon as the Voo Lounge. The old bar at…
Four Former KC Mayors Talk Shop at Plaza Library Event
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 30, 2023) By Kevin Collison It was a unique gathering last week when four former KC mayors discussed the perennial issues confronting the occupant of City Hall’s 29th floor including crime, East Side redevelopment, affordable housing and Jefferson City. The executive quartet brought together at the Plaza…
Jim’s Alley Bar Adds Cozy North Woods Vibe to East Crossroads
(Editors note, this article originally was published Jan. 18, 2023) By Kevin Collison Jim’s Alley Bar, the new creation by the owner of King G, is about celebrating family roots and chilling in a cozy North Woods-feeling place with an ice cold yard beer served in a koozie. “It’s demographic is totally mixed at this…
Royals Ballpark Decision Expected Late Summer, Could Open by 2027
By Kevin Collison Royals owner John Sherman says his club will choose a ballpark location by late summer, adding the delay in deciding between downtown and North Kansas City lies with other players involved who don’t share his team’s urgency. “We’re waiting on a few people and we understand their reasons why they’re not as…
KCATA Pulls Plug on High-Rise Plan, Dissolving Development Agency
By Kevin Collison The KCATA has dropped an ambitious high-rise proposal at 10th and Main and is dissolving its transit-oriented development arm, RideKC Development Corp., an agency with a spotty track record. Commissioners recently approved ending a contract with Live & Ride KC. The development group had proposed a 20-story mixed-use tower at the former…
Crown Center WeekEnder Event Takes Off Next Week with Top Gun
Crown Center resumes its annual WeekEnder series on July 7, beginning its weekly free Friday event that runs through July with the film Top Gun: Maverick and the band The Vincents. The family-friendly outdoor entertainment event at Crown Center Square begins at 6 p.m. with live music and movies start at about 9 p.m. Crown…